Unveiling the Complex Web: Former President Rodrigo Duterte Link
The intricate financial dealings involving Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo have recently come under scrutiny, revealing potential links to influential figures in the Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) and the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Senator Risa Hontiveros brought these revelations to light during an online media briefing, emphasizing the findings of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).
According to Hontiveros, one of Guo’s companies, Baofu Land Development Inc., had transactions with Hongjiang Yang, the brother of Michael Yang, Duterte’s former economic adviser. This connection, as discovered by the AMLC, indicates that Michael Yang might have had financial interests in the Pogo industry that thrived during Duterte’s presidency. The investigation revealed that Baofu Land received funds from a joint account held by Hongjiang Yang and Yu Zheng Can, which were allegedly used to finance Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc., a company behind a major Pogo complex in Bamban. This complex was notably raided by authorities on March 13.
Investigative Findings and Legislative Actions
Senator Hontiveros underscored that Hongjiang Yang’s financial transactions with Guo are significant, though she refrained from disclosing the exact amounts involved. She indicated that further details might be unveiled when the Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality, which she chairs, resumes its hearings on July 29.
The AMLC’s report also noted the interconnectedness of various entities and individuals linked to both Pogo operations and other controversial business dealings. Hongjiang Yang, for instance, was identified as an incorporator of the Philippine Full Win Group of Companies alongside Gerald Cruz. Full Win, chaired by Michael Yang, had previous ties with Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp., a company embroiled in corruption allegations related to the government’s procurement of pandemic supplies. Cruz, who served as the corporate secretary for both Pharmally and Full Win, was also connected to Brickhartz Technology Inc., a now-defunct Pogo company implicated in serious criminal activities such as kidnapping and torture.
These “interlocking directorates,” as Hontiveros described them, suggest a network of individuals orchestrating a range of illicit enterprises. The senator’s revelations further fuel suspicions about the extent of collusion between government officials and business magnates in exploiting the Pogo sector.
Legal and Political Ramifications
The unfolding drama surrounding Alice Guo took another turn when the House committee on dangerous drugs issued an arrest warrant for Michael Yang, accusing him of evading its probe into a massive drug bust in Pampanga. Meanwhile, Guo herself faces legal pressure, with the Senate ordering her arrest alongside seven others, including her siblings and alleged Chinese parents, for failing to comply with subpoenas for Senate hearings on Pogos.
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Hontiveros urged Guo to heed the counsel of her lawyer, Stephen David, and submit to the Senate’s arrest order. Guo’s defiance of Senate summonses has only exacerbated her legal troubles, prompting Hontiveros to advise her to cooperate. David, who had a lengthy phone conversation with Guo, expressed concerns over her state of mind, noting that she seemed increasingly confused and traumatized. He stressed the importance of Guo facing the Senate to testify as a resource person, not as a punitive measure but as part of the legal process.
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Broader Implications and Public Reactions
The revelations of Guo’s connections to Rodrigo Duterte and controversial business activities have sparked public debate on the integrity of the Pogo industry and its regulation under Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. The AMLC’s findings not only highlight potential corruption and financial misconduct but also raise questions about the role of political patronage in the proliferation of Pogos.
The situation underscores the need for stringent oversight and transparency in government dealings with private enterprises, especially those with significant foreign involvement. As the Senate committee prepares to delve deeper into these allegations, the spotlight remains on the intricate web of relationships and transactions that have characterized the Pogo sector.
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In conclusion, the links between Alice Guo, Michael Yang, and the broader network of business interests reveal a complex interplay of power, money, and influence. The ongoing investigations ki by the AMLC and legislative bodies are crucial in uncovering the full extent of these connections and ensuring accountability. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and integrity in safeguarding public interest against the backdrop of economic and political entanglements.
